“We’ll be hosting a state dinner for the prime minister of Canada in a couple of weeks,” the president added. “I hope you both can make it.”

Nick felt Sam stiffen. “We’d be honored,” he said.

President and Mrs. Nelson left a few minutes later. While Nick and Sam visited with his father’s family, Trevor approached them again.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, Senator, but several reporters are waiting for you in the conference room.”

“Would you please excuse me?” Nick said. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

He left Sam with his family and followed Trevor. Over the next thirty minutes, he made it clear to the press that his top priority was ensuring passage of the immigration bill that had been scheduled for a vote by the full Senate on the day John was found murdered.

“Will you be a co-sponsor?” a reporter from The Hill asked.

“Senator O’Connor’s name will remain on the bill as a co-sponsor with Senator Martin. My office will work with Senator Martin’s staff to get the bill on the floor for a vote.”

“Have you been apprised of your committee assignments yet?” asked a reporter from the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

“No, but I imagine I’ll take Senator O’Connor’s assignments since I’m only here for a year.”

“Your relationship with Lieutenant Holland has gotten a lot of attention lately—”

“I’m not going to discuss that.”

“The public is interested.”

“My personal life is of no consequence to my duties as a United States senator. Let’s keep the focus on that.”

“Do you plan to get married?”

Frustrated, Nick stood up. “I have an office full of guests, so if you’ll please excuse me, I’d like to get back to them.” He left the conference room and bumped into Christina Billings, whom he had promoted from deputy chief of staff into the job that used to be his—chief of staff.

“What’s wrong, Senator?” she asked. “You look pissed.”

He ran a hand through his hair, noting the odd sound of his new title coming from his long-time friend and colleague. “The country’s at war, the economy’s in shambles and all they want to talk about is my love life.”

“People are curious. It’s to be expected.”

“It’s annoying.”

Nick watched her glance across the room to where Sam was in the midst of an animated conversation with her father and sisters.

“Are you going to be able to get past it, Chris? She matters to me.”

“She was a total bitch to me. Treating me like a murderer. As if I could’ve killed John.”

“She was just doing her job.”

“Her job sucks.”

“On many days, she’d agree with you, but I need you to get over it. She’s not going anywhere.”